Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

About

Located in Recife, Brazil, the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco is a prominent public research institution renowned across South America for its strong academic programs in computer science, oceanography, and tropical medicine. While the vast majority of its degree programs are taught in Portuguese, international students can access specific mobility opportunities through exchange agreements, and the university provides intensive Portuguese language courses to help incoming learners adapt. The institution's International Relations Office actively assists visiting scholars and degree-seeking international students with visa guidance, housing advice, and cultural integration support. What truly sets the university apart is its deeply ingrained connection to the vibrant cultural and technological hub of northeastern Brazil, notably hosting the Recife Antigo tech cluster and renowned research centers in renewable energy and coastal management.

Background

Federal University of Pernambuco (Portuguese: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE) is a public university in Recife, Brazil, established in 1946. UFPE has 70 undergraduate courses and 175 postgraduate courses. As of 2007, UFPE had 35,000 students and 2,000 professors. The university has three campuses: Recife, Vitória de Santo Antão, and Caruaru. Its main campus, Campus Reitor Joaquim Amazonas, is located in western Recife, in the Cidade Universitária neighborhood. The Recife Law School, established in 1827, is located downtown. UFPE ranks among the top Brazilian universities, placing ninth in the country in size and scientific production, and seventh among the federal public universities. UFPE's Center for Exact and Natural Sciences is consistently the strongest in research production in the university. UFPE has twice elected the best university in Northern and Northeastern Brazil by Guia do Estudante and Banco Real (ABN AMRO). Each year over 6,000 seats are offered in its vestibular. The median and average competition rate is of about 10 applicants for each seat.

Location

Quick facts

Nearby universities